Hundreds of the best model boats in the north west were again on show at the National Waterways Museum.

The Canal and River Trust welcomed the return of the Model Boat Show to Ellesmere Port for the seventh consecutive year.

The weekend was described as ‘a fun-packed event for enthusiasts and beginners alike’ with the boats once again occupying a large section of the waterway.

Clubs from across the region assembled to display and exhibit hundreds of the best boats built by their members in the past year.

John Inch, general manager at the museum, said: “The annual show gives members of the public the unique chance to take control and try steering the intricately designed boats for themselves.”

Special highlights included boat races, steering challenges, free sailing, model boat building demonstrations and the award for the best boat. There were also model boat traders selling parts and full kits as well as being available to offer advice to people on how to construct their own models.

During the event, more than 1,500 people visited to museum to see boats of all shapes and sizes being displayed and demonstrated by a total 16 clubs.

As well as the historic inland waterway craft that are part of the museum collection there were numerous smaller boats on show at the event organised by the Ellesmere Port Model Boat Club.

Mr Inch added: “Many visitors had travelled huge distances to be here. One gentleman attended having only arrived in the country from North Carolina that morning and others had driven from as far away as Glasgow.”

Events at the museum continue with the Easter Boat Gathering and Sea Shanty Festival taking place Easter weekend, from Friday to Monday.